Submitted by Penn Highlands Healthcare
CENTRE COUNTY — From school sports to travel leagues, the sports season is yearlong for many students today. But whether your child participates for just one season or every season, a sports physical is key to keeping them healthy and injury-free.
Why are sports physicals important?
“A recent study presented at the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons 2023 Annual Meeting found that while the overall injury rate for student athletes has decreased, serious injuries requiring time away or even surgeries have increased,” Karrie Kiskaddon, a board-certified family medicine physician with Penn Highlands Family Medicine in DuBois, said. “Sports physicals can detect health risks in your children before they become problems, helping them stay on the field for a safe and healthy sports season.”
What happens during a sports physical?
Your primary care provider will assess your child to ensure that they can safely participate in athletics. Your provider will likely examine your child’s joints and flexibility and discuss any past injuries or concerns, such as sprains, concussions, asthma, surgery or medications. They will also check your child’s heart and assess your child’s family medical history for any risks.
In addition, your provider may check that your child is up to date on vaccinations and will evaluate your child’s height and weight. Obesity is one thing that should be detected and addressed early. If a child is putting on weight but is not seen annually by their primary care provider, type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure could develop.
Are sports physicals the same as annual physicals?
No, these two physicals are not the same, and sports physicals should not replace annual exams from a primary care provider.
“A sports physical evaluates a student athlete’s ability to participate in sports,” Kiskaddon said, “while an annual physical is a more comprehensive exam that addresses every aspect of your child’s health.”
Getting a sports physical
The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association requires all students who wish to participate in an interscholastic sport to have a comprehensive initial pre-participation sports physical evaluation by an authorized medical examiner. Sports physicals typically need to be completed and submitted before the first practice.
